Building a custom pool is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can make—but it’s also a journey. For homeowners in St. Johns County, understanding the pool construction timeline is essential to setting expectations and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable process from start to finish. At Breakwater Construction, we believe in complete transparency, and our clients appreciate knowing what’s coming every step of the way.
With more than two decades of experience building custom pools, spas, and screened enclosures throughout Northeast Florida, Breakwater Construction provides a refined process that combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. From initial consultation to the final water test, we manage every detail with care and precision.
If you’re considering building a pool, here’s what you can expect throughout your project timeline.
Step One: Design and Planning
Your pool journey begins with a consultation. During this phase, we’ll visit your property, discuss your vision, and assess the space to determine what’s feasible. At Breakwater, every project is custom, and we utilize advanced 3D design technology to help you visualize your future backyard before construction starts. This planning period typically lasts two to three weeks, depending on how quickly design revisions are made and finalized.
We’ll review feature options like spas, waterfalls, and screen enclosures, so you can personalize every detail. Once your design is complete, we move into the permitting phase.
Step Two: Permitting Process
The permitting stage involves submitting engineered site plans, verifying zoning regulations, and receiving official approval from St. Johns County. Permits ensure your pool meets local building codes and safety standards, and this phase is critical for compliance.
Our experienced team handles every aspect of the permit application, so you never have to worry about dealing with the county. During this time, we also begin preparing the construction schedule. The permitting process usually takes 2–4 weeks but can vary based on complexity and county processing times. You can monitor the progress of this step in real-time through our BuilderTrend platform, which keeps you informed every step of the way.
Step Three: Pre-Construction Coordination
Once permits are approved, we prepare the site for construction. This includes marking the dig site, arranging material deliveries, and coordinating inspections. We’ll also confirm your pool financing plan if you’re using one, ensuring your budget aligns with the upcoming phases.
This is also when we review the full construction plan with you, including timelines, expectations, and communication checkpoints. At Breakwater, we pride ourselves on transparency, and this pre-construction meeting helps you feel confident and ready for the exciting transformation ahead.
Step Four: Excavation and Structural Work
Construction officially begins with excavation. This involves digging out the pool shape, installing the steel reinforcement, and forming the foundation. Excavation typically takes 2–3 days, but inclement weather or soil conditions can affect this stage.
Following excavation, we install the reinforcing steel, get a county inspection. Then comes one of the most exciting moments—gunite shot in place to form the shell of your pool. Once the concrete has time to set up (a process that takes about a few days to a week), we begin the next phases of construction. While it may look like a bomb went off in your yard for a short period of time, rest assured, the end result is worth it!
Every phase is carefully inspected, and your BuilderTrend dashboard provides updates, and milestone tracking. You can also view a full overview of this phase in our construction walkthrough video.
Step Five: Tile, Decking, and Enclosures
This is where your pool really starts to take shape visually. We’ll install decorative tiles, coping, and decking around the pool’s perimeter. Whether you choose natural stone, pavers, or textured concrete, your deck plays a major role in the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space.
If your design includes a screen enclosure, we’ll install it during this phase. These enclosures offer vital protection from bugs and debris while enhancing the comfort of your outdoor space—especially in Florida’s climate.
This part of the build usually takes two to three weeks, depending on the complexity of your chosen materials and finishes.
Step Six: Interior Finish and Startup
Once the pool structure and decking are complete, we apply the interior finish. After the finish is applied, the pool is filled with water, and our team begins the startup process, which includes chemical balancing and equipment calibration.
During startup, we also walk you through how to use your pool’s systems, whether you’ve selected automation features, saltwater systems, or smart lighting. This orientation ensures you’re fully comfortable with maintenance and operation.
We also conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is safe, functional, and up to code. When the final sign-off is complete, your pool is officially ready for enjoyment.
Timeline Overview: How Long Does It All Take?
Most pool construction projects in St. Johns County follow a similar timeline. On average, you can expect:
- 2–3 weeks for design and planning
- 2–4 weeks for permitting
- 3-4 months for construction (from dig day to filling the pool with water)
While timelines vary based on weather, complexity, and features, Breakwater Construction keeps you informed through every phase. Our goal is to deliver a beautiful, high-quality pool without surprises or delays.
What Can Cause Delays?
Despite thorough planning, some factors are out of any builder’s control. The most common causes of timeline adjustments include:
- Extended permit processing due to high county volume
- Inclement weather, particularly rain during excavation or concrete curing
- Material supply delays
- Change orders during the build
To mitigate these issues, we recommend finalizing your design early and staying flexible if minor adjustments arise. With our BuilderTrend updates, you’ll always know what’s happening on-site and what to expect next.
Your Role in the Process
While Breakwater manages the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to keep the timeline on track:
- Respond quickly to design revisions or material approvals
- Plan your landscaping and outdoor furniture installation after construction ends
- Communicate any changes you’re considering as early as possible
- Utilize your BuilderTrend access to stay engaged without needing to micromanage
We’re your partner throughout this journey, and the more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel.
Why Homeowners Trust Breakwater’s Timeline
Our clients choose Breakwater Construction because of our reputation for professionalism, clear communication, and expert craftsmanship. We don’t just build pools—we deliver a lifestyle upgrade. By handling permits, engineering, construction, and inspection all in-house, we eliminate delays that can happen when juggling multiple contractors.
Homeowners across St. Johns County love that we start projects with just a $2,500 deposit and guide them through every detail of the build. We also provide ongoing education through our Resources Center and informative videos like our timeline explanation, helping you understand the big picture before we ever lift a shovel.
Ready to Begin Your Pool Construction Timeline?
Now that you know what to expect, are you ready to take the first step? Building a pool is a big investment—but it’s also one of the most enjoyable improvements you can make to your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a resort-style escape, a family-friendly backyard, or a fitness-focused lap pool, Breakwater is here to help you plan it, permit it, and build it right.
Visit mybreakwater.com to learn more about our services, explore our financing options, or contact us directly to schedule your initial consultation. You can also learn more about our background on our About page.
Let’s turn your backyard into a destination—one step at a time. Your pool construction timeline starts now.
